A viral video showing a member of the House of Representatives slapping a Bolt driver has sparked outrage on social media platforms.
Alex Mascot Ikwechegh represents Aba North & South Federal Constituency in the Green Chamber on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
A furious Ikwechegh was captured in the video in casual wear as he lounged in his compound somewhere in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
“I Can Make You Disappear”: Reps Member Ikwechegh Caught Assaulting Bolt Driver Over Snail Delivery
In the video, Ikwechegh can be seen angrily confronting and hitting the driver while making threatening remarks. “Can you imagine this rat? I can make this man disappear in this… pic.twitter.com/ZQx7aw0rdQ
— The Nigeria Lawyer (@Nigerialawyers) October 28, 2024
Going by the conversation recorded in the viral video, the lawmaker had ordered some snails from a vendor who engaged the services of the e-hailing App driver to deliver the goods.
A heated disagreement ensued when the Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, arrived at the lawmaker’s residence and asked to be paid.
A furious Ikwechegh was heard speaking with the vendor on the phone. “How can this stupid idiot come to me and tell me that I am supposed to come and meet him in his car and pick up a snail I am buying from you? I can make this man disappear in the whole of Nigeria and nothing will happen.” the lawmaker blurted to the speaker on the other side.
After the phone conversation with the snail vendor, Ikwechegh faced Abuwatseya and said, “You will not get a penny from me with this level of disrespect. You will suffer, I will deal with you.”
The APGA lawmaker fulfilled his threat and thudded two slaps on the cheeks of the driver who maintained his composure in the face of the assault.
To capture that he had been slapped, the Bolt driver asked, “Are you slapping me, sir?”
“I just did, slap me back. How dare you?” the lawmaker angrily retorted.
“Do you slap me thrice sir?”
“Twice, you will soon receive the third one.”
When alerted that the episode was recorded, the lawmaker told the driver: “My name is Honourable Alexander Mascot Ikwechegh, I am a member of the House of Reps, tell them. Call the Inspector General of Police, let him come.”
Ikwechegh has not released a statement on the incident but many Nigerians online have demanded that justice be served in the matter.
BREAKING: The Nigerian police and Speaker, House of Reps must immediately investigate reports that Mr Alex Ikwechegh, a lawmaker brutally assaulted a Bolt driver, and ensure accountability and justice for the violations. Impunity for violations of citizens’ rights MUST STOP.
— SERAP (@SERAPNigeria) October 28, 2024
When power is abused, democracy suffers. Every Nigerian deserves dignity and respect, regardless of their job or social standing.
The alleged assault of House of Rep member, Alex Ikwechegh against a delivery driver highlight the urgent need for accountability among our leaders. pic.twitter.com/xFAbzteVe7
— The NewTribe (@thenewtribe_ng) October 28, 2024
This is pure oppression and wickedness. 😦 so a Bolt driver went to deliver something to A Politician and this happen just because the driver asked the man to come to the car to pick up his stuff!
This is currently happening now at Maitama 💔#AbujaTwitterCommunity pic.twitter.com/Uk78pkWz0c
— UCHECHUKWU 👽 (@Yucee_) October 27, 2024
Police Step In
In a statement on Monday, the police said the matter was reported and that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command is “actively handling the case”.
“The Nigeria Police Force is aware of the incident between a Bolt driver, Mr. Stephen Abuwatseya, and Hon. Alexander Ikwegh, which took place on October 27, 2024, in Maitama, Abuja.
“The FCT Command is actively handling the case following Mr. Abuwatseya’s official report at the Maitama Divisional Headquarters.
“The Police Force also urges the public to refrain from using the name or office of the Inspector-General of Police to intimidate others, as such actions undermine the values of impartiality that the IGP’s office upholds,” the statement read.